Poonam Mahajan: Unseen family photos of Pramod Mahajan's daughter

Poonam Mahajan was born in 1980 in Mumbai to Rekha Mahajan and the late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan. Her brother is Rahul Mahajan. Poonam is the President of Bhartiya Janta Party Yuva Morcha BJYM and a Rajya Sabha MP.

In pic: Poonam Mahajan with her father Pramod Mahajan. All Pictures/Poonam Mahajan Instagram

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A year after her father's murder, Poonam Mahajan joined the Bhartiya Janta Party in 2006 as a party member, with encouragement from her uncle, the late Gopinath Munde, BJP leader and ex-Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra state.

In Picture: Poonam with her parents

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In the 2009 assembly polls, Poonam contested from Ghatkopar West constituency in Mumbai against Ram Kadam, then Maharashtra Navnirman Sena candidate and now a BJP MLA. Poonam lost the election.

In picture: Poonam Mahajan with her mother

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However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Poonam Mahajan contested again and won. She bagged the Mumbai North Central seat defeating two-time Congress MP Priya Dutt by a margin of 1.86 lakh votes. The Rajya Sabha MP often reminisces fondly of her childhood.

In this photo, a very young Poonam Mahajan is seen on the far left, dressed as Shabri and praying to Lord Shri Ram

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Poonam Mahajan is married to Anand Rao Vejandla, an industrialist from Hyderabad. The couple has two children; son Aadya Rao Vajandla, and a daughter, Avika Rao Vajandla

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Poonam enjoys a strong bond with her mother, Rekha Mahajan. After her father's assassination in 2006, Poonam's mother has been a source of strength and support for the leader

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Despite her busy schedule, Poonam Mahajan always finds time for her family. In this photo, she cherishes how her son has grown from a baby to a fine young boy

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Poonam Mahajan had a special bond with her father Pramod Mahajan as well. Despite his busy schedule, Pramod Mahajan always took time out to bond with his daughter. Archived image of Poonam Mahajan with her father Pramod

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Following in her father's fine traditions, Poonam Mahajan is seen here familiarising her daughter, Avika, with her office and work

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Poonam Mahajan is a self-confessed dog lover. In Picture: Poonam with her two kids and her pet Labrador retriever, Biscuit

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On another occasion, Poonam Mahajan was captured with a cute Shih Tzu, Simba

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Poonam Mahajan has lend her hands in various campaigns and often involves herself in awareness camps. She is seen here with Amitabh Bachchan and Olympian Deepa Malik at a 'Swachhta' initiative

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After BJP’s impressive show in the second phase of the Maharashtra civic polls for civic bodies in Pune and Latur districts, BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday appointed Poonam Mahajan the head of party’s youth wing Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha

In picture: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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Poonam Mahajan is currently the national secretary of the BJP.

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Poonam Mahajan's family supports her in all aspects of her life. In this picture, the Poonam's mother Rekha attended a school function along with Poonam and her 2 kids

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Poonam Mahajan's close bond with her children Aadya and Avika, has meant that the trio often spend time together, as a unit

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Within the BJP, Poonam Mahajan has been recognized for her hard work and given key roles. She currently is the youngest Woman BJP National Secretary. She has also held other posts such the Presidency of the BJYM and served as the Maharashtra state in-charge for the BJP

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In this photo, Poonam Mahajan, along with her brother, Rahul Mahajan, and mother Rekha, accompanying her father Pramod Mahajan for the 1992 BJP national executive meet in Bhubaneswar

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After completing her schooling, Poonam Mahajan obtained a Professional Diploma in Leadership from the Brighton School of Business and Management. She has also completed courses on Behaviour, Business Ethics, Financial Awareness and other varied subjects

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In addition to her academic qualifications, Poonam Mahajan has undergone 300 hours of commercial pilot training. She pursued her flight training from Aer Mistral Flying School in Fort Worth, Texas

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Poonam Mahajan has followed her father's footsteps in every way that she could. She gives credit for her success to her parents, whom she lovingly refers to as 'her Gurus'

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Poonam Mahajan's success has often led her to meet international leaders. She is seen here at the Rashtrapati Bhavan with former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

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Poonam Mahajan seen here having a moment with members of the royal family of the United Kingdom; the Prince Of Wales and the Duchess Of Cornwall

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Due to her active involvement in various youth related activities, Poonam Mahajan has the unique honour of being the first woman to serve as the President of the Basketball Federation of India

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The death of her father was a huge loss to Poonam Mahajan. Pramod Mahajan was assassinated by his own younger brother for sheer jealousy. Poonam's uncle was subsequently arrested for the murder

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Poonam Mahajan posted this photo with her father Pramod Mahajan quoting, "Your values have taught me that hard work is the answer to every question & that no one is bigger than the organization. My hero Baba."

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The same values have helped her rise prominently at both the state, as well as, the national level

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Poonam Mahajan is seen here sharing a moment with the late 'People's' President, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam

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Poonam Mahajan instills a sense of patriotism and citizens' duty in her children as well. They are pictured here celebrating India's Independence Day

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Poonam Mahajan is seen here with Priyanka Chopra and Chris Martin in New York at the Global Citizens concert

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Despite her international and national exposure, Poonam Mahajan has always remained grounded to her roots

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About The Gallery

The counting of votes will take place on May 23, 2019. As all of India will be waiting for the final results of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, we recap the polls with a look at candidates who contested this year. From her education to her political and social activism, sitting MP from the Mumbai North Central seat and BJP candidate Poonam Mahajan has followed her father’s footsteps. Here's a look at some rare and cherished images of Poonam and her family

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